Bethlehem First Friday and What You Should Know

There’s always a good reason to visit Bethlehem, PA! From the incredible annual events, the fantastic local restaurants, and impressive art scene, you’ll have plenty to do during your stay at Sayre Mansion. One of the most-loved events is Bethlehem First Friday. This monthly event celebrates community arts, foods, merchants, and more! Find out everything you need to know about this much-loved day!

While you’re in town for Bethlehem First Friday, enjoy some of the other wonderful things in town. Download our free Vacation Guide to get our personal recommendations for the best attractions, restaurants, museums, hiking trails, and more. Plus, get the inside scoop on the best downtown Bethlehem events. Our free Vacation Guide has helped countless visitors, and it can help you too! Download it today!

What is Bethlehem First Friday?

Bethlehem First Friday, sometimes called Banana Factory First Friday since it’s headquartered at the Banana Factory Arts Center, takes place on the first Friday of every month in the Southside district of town. The community comes together to browse shops, enjoy delicious food, peruse art galleries and just have an all-around good time enjoying the city.  The Southside is well known as the shopping and arts center of Bethlehem, so there are plenty of local businesses participating in this monthly event. So whether your ideal night out is taking in fine art, sampling wine, eating a delicious meal, or shopping at a local boutique, then you’ll find your perfect night out at First Friday. Plus, there’s no better way to get to know the town of Bethlehem, PA, than a visit to First Friday! The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. and end around 9:00 p.m.

What to Do at First Friday

There are numerous things to do at First Friday.  One popular place people like to visit during the celebration is the Banana Factory for art demonstrations and displays.  The Banana Factory is also a wonderful place to visit any day, with hands-on experiences and displays of local artwork. Others prefer visiting local restaurants and merchants such as Godfrey Daniel’s, Home Base Skate Shop, Molly’s Irish Grille, the Touchstone Theatre, the Bookstore Speakeasy, Lehigh Pizza, Apotheca Salon, Shankara by Balasia, and local favorite Italian eatery Molinari’s. Live music is also featured at First Friday, so you might just find a new favorite artist while you’re there as well!

First Friday Accommodations

Room 27 BedIf you’re in town for Bethlehem First Friday, be sure to stay in the most beautiful accommodations available. Sayre Mansion is a centrally located boutique hotel that is just minutes away from all the fun. Do you need a room with two beds? Book Room 27, a spacious bedroom decorated in lavenders and golds with matching queen-size beds. You’ll also have the largest private bathrooms in the mansion, featuring a pedestal sink and a shower.

Check our availability and book your room today! We look forward to having you.

If you want to read more about fantastic local events, check out our blog! Read about the famous Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem or the Easton Garlic Festival!